An australian shepherd suits an active owner who wants a working dog in the house and has a job for it. They are clever, athletic and deeply attached to their people, and an under exercised aussie becomes a difficult dog fast.
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (16 to 30 kg fully grown) |
| Height | 51 to 58.5 cm (males), 45.5 to 53.5 cm (females) |
| Coat | Medium length double coat |
| Shedding | Heavy, with two big moults a year |
| Energy | Very high |
| Good with kids | Yes, with herding managed |
| Exercise | Two hours per day, plus mental work |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
How much exercise does an australian shepherd need?
Around two hours a day, and walking alone will not cover it. Aussies were bred to work stock all day, so they need running, fetch, swimming or dog sport to be settled at home.
Mental work counts as much as physical. Training sessions, scent games and puzzle feeders tire an aussie in a way another lap of the park does not.
Are australian shepherds good family dogs?
They are affectionate, loyal and patient with children they have grown up around. The thing to watch is herding, because a dog bred to move livestock will try to move running children.
Redirect that instinct early onto a ball or a training game. Teach children not to run screaming past the dog and the problem mostly disappears.
Aussies also bond hard to one household and can be reserved with strangers. Introduce them to plenty of people and places while they are young.
Do australian shepherds shed a lot?
Heavily, and twice a year they drop the undercoat in clumps. Weekly brushing keeps it manageable and daily brushing gets you through the moult.
Never shave a double coat. It protects them from heat as well as cold, and it often grows back patchy.
A good deshedding brush and ten minutes a few times a week is the whole routine.
Who suits an australian shepherd and who may find it hard?
Who an australian shepherd suits
- Runners, hikers and anyone outdoors most days
- People who want to train and compete in a dog sport
- Homes with a yard and easy access to open space
- Owners who enjoy a dog that watches their every move
Who may find it hard
- Apartment dwellers without a serious exercise plan
- People out of the house long hours
- First time owners wanting an easy start
- Anyone who wants a dog that is happy to do nothing
What health issues do australian shepherds get?
Hip and elbow dysplasia and eye conditions run in the breed, so ask to see the parents' screening results.
Some aussies carry a gene that makes them sensitive to common medications. A simple DNA test tells you, and it is worth doing before your dog ever needs treatment.
Common questions about australian shepherds
What is an australian shepherd's temperament like?
Dogs NSW describes the breed as intelligent and active, with a good disposition and strong herding and guarding instincts. A well bred aussie is never aggressive or fearful.
Are australian shepherds from Australia?
No. Despite the name, Dogs NSW notes the breed was developed in America.
How big do australian shepherds get?
The breed standard sets 51 to 58.5 cm at the shoulder for males and 45.5 to 53.5 cm for females.
How long do australian shepherds live?
Most live 12 to 15 years, according to Dogs NSW.
Meet an australian shepherd at a Doga Sydney class
An hour on the floor shows you the energy level far better than any description. Each class is 45 minutes of puppy yoga, then 15 minutes of puppy playtime, and the yoga is optional the whole time. Breeds change week to week, so check what is coming up.
Book a Doga Sydney puppy yoga class
Sources: Dogs NSW.
